TWO medals, including one for bravery, that belonged to the man who scored an FA Cup final-winning goal for Bradford City have pride of place in the National Football Museum's latest exhibition.

'The Greater Game - Football and The First World War' commemorates the role that football and footballers played in World War One.

And in the poignant display are a Military Medal for bravery and an FA Cup winners' medal that were both awarded to former City captain James Hamilton Speirs.

His military medal was awarded for his actions on July 5 1916 at the Battle of the Somme when, under heavy fire, he bravely crossed no-man’s land with two of his men to destroy an enemy machine gun.

Kevin Moore, director of the National Football Museum in Manchester, said: "We’re delighted to be able to exhibit Jimmy Speirs’ Military Medal for bravery. His story is one of ultimate bravery and sacrifice for his country."

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Married and with two young children, Mr Spiers enlisted with the Cameroon Highlanders in 1915 - 100 years ago this month. In August 1917 he was wounded and recorded as missing in action. His body was found in October 1919 and several of the items found on him were returned to his family.

In 1911, Mr Speirs - who was known as Jimmy - wrote his name into Bradford City history when he scored the winning goal in the FA Cup final replay at Old Trafford against Newcastle United, following a goalless draw at Crystal Palace.

It was a new trophy that Mr Speirs lifted, appropriately made by Bradford jeweller Fattorini.

In 1912, Mr Speirs joined Herbert Chapman’s Leeds City, helping them to their only ever trophy before the club was dissolved in 1919.

Mr Moore said: "Speirs’ place is cemented in the history books, not only for his courage but his footballing career which helped win Bradford City the FA Cup in the 1910-11 season."

'The Greater Game' tells the stories of football and the war through a collection of memorabilia and artefacts donated from across the world. The exhibition dissects the Christmas Truce matches as well as commemorating the sacrifices made by players from clubs across the land.

Meanwhile, Mike Thompson, chairman of Bradford City Supporters Trust, backed calls for a statue of Mr Speirs to be installed at Valley Parade.

Mr Thompson was responding after renewed calls on social media website Facebook from a burns unit fundraiser for a memorial to the player.

"I would certainly back it," said Mr Thompson.

"Jimmy Speirs is one of the most famous goalscorers of Bradford City. If you look at what happened to him, unfortunately, in World War One, it cut short what was a brilliant career.

"I'm sure it is something that would get quite a lot of support."